Academic and Research Cooperation with the Finnish Consortium for International Education (FCIE)

President of Mansoura University Explores New Avenues of Academic and Research Cooperation with the Finnish Consortium for International Education (FCIE)

· Field visit to Metropolia University of Applied Sciences to review advanced research and training programs

Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, met with Mr. Risto Vahanen, Chairman of the Board of the Finnish Consortium for International Education (FCIE), and Dr. Karim El-Safty, Regional Executive Director of the consortium, during a visit to Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Finland.

He was accompanied by Prof. Tarek Ghalwash, Vice President of the University for Postgraduate Studies and Research. The visit comes within the framework of strengthening academic and research collaboration with leading Finnish universities.

The meeting was also attended by Ms. Riitta Konkola, President and CEO of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences; Ms. Marja Remes, Head of Continuing Education and Institutional Services; Ms. Sini Palm, International Marketing and Partnerships Specialist; as well as Ms. Reham Ghoneim, Director of International Partnerships at FCIE.

During the meeting, the President of Mansoura University initialed a preliminary agreement with FCIE, paving the way for a strategic partnership between Mansoura University and the consortium, which encompasses seven prestigious Finnish universities.

Under the preliminary agreement, wide-ranging opportunities for academic and research cooperation will be opened, including the implementation of internationally accredited higher education programs, launching joint programs, and offering specialized short-term training in fields such as technology, artificial intelligence, and clean energy. The agreement also covers student and faculty exchange, curriculum development in selected disciplines, accreditation of international academic programs, and linking Mansoura University with FCIE’s global network of academic and industrial partners. This initiative reflects Mansoura University’s leadership in fostering international openness and building strong educational partnerships.

The Mansoura University delegation also conducted a field tour of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, one of the largest applied sciences universities in Europe, with more than 40,000 students and 85 academic programs, including over 30 programs delivered in English.

 The delegation visited several research and innovation centers, including the Smart Lab for advanced technologies and AI applications, the XR Center for virtual reality, digital twins, and product development, as well as specialized training programs in e-gaming and smart technologies.

The tour also included practical training models for nursing students in university hospitals, engineering and AI students in smart home systems, as well as dental students in advanced clinical treatments using cutting-edge technologies.

 Prof. Cherif Khater emphasized that Mansoura University is committed to aligning with Egypt’s national strategy for higher education and scientific research, which takes Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals as its framework for enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian universities, engaging with international experiences, and preparing new generations capable of keeping pace with rapid developments in science and knowledge.

He added that the signing of this preliminary agreement with the Finnish universities consortium comes in this context, reflecting the university’s keenness to expand the scope of academic and research collaboration, and to open new horizons for preparing highly qualified cadres capable of competing globally. It also supports the position of Egyptian universities as hubs for international education and cooperation.

Prof. Khater further affirmed that this partnership will represent a qualitative leap in the academic relations between Mansoura University and Finnish universities, with a strong focus on applied research and joint programs that drive innovation and enhance the quality of higher education outcomes.

For his part, Prof. Tarek Ghalwash stressed that Mansoura University is keen to strengthen international collaboration in applied research projects, which will enhance the university’s scientific and practical capabilities, and create new opportunities for students to train in advanced educational environments—contributing to innovation and the shift towards a knowledge-based economy.

Mr. Risto Vahanen expressed his pride in signing the agreement with Mansoura University, praising its distinguished academic and research reputation regionally and internationally, and affirming that FCIE is keen to establish sustainable partnerships with the university, particularly in applied education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Karim El-Safty added that this agreement marks the beginning of long-term academic relations that serve the development priorities of both Egypt and Finland, while also supporting the internationalization of Finnish education worldwide.

At the conclusion of the visit, both sides exchanged commemorative shields as a symbol of mutual cooperation and a commitment to moving forward with the implementation of the agreed programs.